Pharmaceutical composition container

ABSTRACT

It is possible to easily swallow a pharmaceutical composition and to suppress the scattering thereof inside the mouth; furthermore, the pharmaceutical composition can be filled in easily. The pharmaceutical composition container  10  is equipped with a plurality of spaces  30  and  32 . The portions  70  and  72  between two adjoining spaces are sealed. The portions  70  and  72  between two adjoining spaces open when force is applied from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container  10 . A swallowing-aid substance  40  is stored in the swallowing-aid substance storage chamber  30 . An encapsulating item  42  is stored in the encapsulating-item storage chamber  32 . The encapsulating item  42  contains the pharmaceutical composition  80 . The sheet  20  is provided with a predetermined aperture part  60 . The predetermined aperture part  60  is a portion where an aperture is to be formed. The aperture interconnects the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container  10  with the spaces  30  and  32.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition container; morespecifically, to a pharmaceutical composition container so configured asto allow the reduction of the residual quantity of the pharmaceuticalcomposition.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, when ingesting a pharmaceutical composition like a powderedor granular preparation, the pharmaceutical composition is swallowedusing water. However, since this pharmaceutical composition is swallowedby drinking water after having the pharmaceutical composition receivedon the tongue, there are problems such as that a part of thepharmaceutical composition stays inside the mouth for a long time, thatthere is irritation from the pharmaceutical ingredients, or that it isnot possible to ingest the pharmaceutical composition while lying down,since the pharmaceutical composition is ingested with water, which ishighly fluid.

Patent document 1 discloses a multi-chamber container. Thismulti-chamber container is so partitioned into a plurality of spaces asto enable the spaces to be interconnected with each other. The spacesare sealed in such a state that they can be interconnected with eachother by means of force applied from the outside. A granular agent isstored in a tightly sealed state in any of the spaces. A thick fluidsubstance is stored in a tightly sealed state in one or more otherspaces. After interconnecting the spaces with each other and gatheringand mixing the granular agent with the thick fluid substance, it ispossible to take out the mixture from a take-out port provided on any ofthe spaces.

According to the container disclosed in patent document 1, it ispossible to ingest a granular agent by means of an extremely simpleoperation. Moreover, according to the multi-chamber container disclosedin patent document 1, it is possible to significantly reduce theresistance of the patient towards taking the medication.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS Patent Documents

-   Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-234820

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, with the invention disclosed in patent document 1, there is theproblem that, when the pharmaceutical composition is a powder, apowdered preparation or a granular preparation, it is highly probablethat there are residues in the multi-chamber container.

The technical issue addressed by this invention was drafted to solve theabovementioned problem, and the purpose of the invention is to provide apharmaceutical composition container that allows the reduction of theresidual quantity of the pharmaceutical composition.

Means for Solving the Problem

The pharmaceutical composition container of this invention is explainedin reference to the drawings. Note that the use of the referencenumerals of the drawings in this column is intended to facilitate theunderstanding of the content of the invention and is not intended tolimit the content to the scope indicated.

According to the aspects of this invention in order to achieve theabovementioned purpose, the pharmaceutical composition containers (10,11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18) are equipped with a plurality of spaces (30, 32,34, 36, 38, 100, 102, 104, 106, 110, 112, 114, 116, 150). The portions(70, 72, 76) between two adjoining spaces are sealed. The portions (70,72, 76) between two adjoining spaces open when force is applied from theoutside of the pharmaceutical composition containers (10, 11, 12, 14,15, 16, 18). A swallowing-aid substance (40) is stored in swallowing-aidsubstance storing chambers (30, 100, 102, 104, 106) which are at leastone of the spaces. Encapsulating items (42, 120) are stored inencapsulating-item storing chambers (32, 110, 112, 114) which each areat least one of the spaces. The encapsulating items (42, 120) containthe pharmaceutical composition (80). At least the surface of theencapsulating items (42, 120) melts in the ingredients of theswallowing-aid substance (40). The pharmaceutical composition containers(10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18) are provided with a predetermined aperturepart (60). The predetermined aperture part (60) is a portion where anaperture is to be formed. The aperture interconnects the outside of thepharmaceutical composition containers (10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18) withthe spaces (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 100, 102, 104, 106, 110, 112, 114, 116,150).

The portions (70, 71, 72, 76) between two adjoining spaces are sealed.The portions (70, 71, 72, 76) between two adjoining spaces open whenforce is applied from the outside of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainers (10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18). By the opening of the portions(70, 71, 72, 76) between two adjoining spaces, it is possible to guidethe swallowing-aid substance (40) from the swallowing-aid substancestorage chambers (30, 100, 102, 104, 106) to the encapsulating-itemstorage chambers (32, 110, 112, 114). Thereby, when holding, after theaperture is formed on the predetermined aperture part (60), thataperture against the mouth of a person with swallowing difficulties andpushing out the swallowing-aid substance (40) and the encapsulatingitems (42, 120) from that aperture, the encapsulating items (42, 120)will enter the mouth of the person with swallowing difficulties whilebeing enclosed in swallowing-aid substance (40). The encapsulating items(42, 120) are swallowed. Since the pharmaceutical composition (80) isinside the encapsulating items (42, 120), the pharmaceutical composition(80) inside the encapsulating items (42, 120) is pushed out at the sametime when the encapsulating items (42, 120) are pushed out. As a result,the residual quantity of the pharmaceutical composition (80) in theencapsulating-item storage chambers (32, 110, 112, 114) is reduced ascompared to the case where the pharmaceutical composition is not insidethe encapsulating items (42, 120). When at least the surface of theencapsulating items (42, 120) melts in the ingredients of theswallowing-aid substance (40), the surface of the encapsulating items(42, 120) will melt after the swallowing-aid substance (40) is guidedinto the encapsulating-item storage chambers (32, 110, 112, 114). Theencapsulating items (42, 120) can easily be swallowed even by a personwith swallowing difficulties because the encapsulating items (42, 120)are enclosed in the swallowing-aid substance (40) and the surface ofencapsulating items (42, 120) has melted. That being the case, thepharmaceutical composition (80) is also swallowed with the swallowing ofthe encapsulating items (42, 120).

Further, it is preferable that the abovementioned swallowing-aidsubstance (40) contain water. In this case, the material of theencapsulating items (42, 120) is a water-soluble substance. This reducesthe probability that swallowing becomes difficult because the surfacesof the encapsulating items (42, 120) have not sufficiently melted.

Or, it is preferable that the abovementioned swallowing-aid substance(40) be a water-containing jelly. In this case, it is preferable thatthe water-soluble substance be starch.

Moreover, it is preferable that a chamber (116), which is at least oneof the abovementioned spaces, is disposed between the swallowing-aidsubstance storage chamber (102) and the encapsulating-item storagechamber (114). This is because the provision of a chamber (116) reducesthe probability that the swallowing-aid substance (40) comes intocontact with the encapsulating item (42) when the two adjoining spaces(102, 114) are interconnected against the will of the user or handler ofthe pharmaceutical composition container (15). Reducing that probabilityalso lowers the probability that the encapsulating item (42) meltsbefore the ingestion of the pharmaceutical composition (80). As aresult, the pharmaceutical composition container (15) will be easy topreserve and easy to handle.

Further, it is preferable that the abovementioned encapsulating item(42) be tightly sealed. Note that “tightly sealed” in this descriptionmeans being sealed in such a manner that no gaps exist.

According to the aspects of this invention, the pharmaceuticalcomposition containers (210, 260, 400, 500) are equipped with at leastthree spaces (230, 232, 234, 236, 280, 282, 284, 286, 422, 424, 426,520, 522, 524, 526). The portions (240, 242, 244, 300, 302, 304, 440,442, 444, 540, 542, 544) between two adjoining spaces are sealed. Theportions (240, 242, 244, 300, 302, 304, 440, 442, 444, 540, 542, 544)between two adjoining spaces open when force is applied from the outsideof the pharmaceutical composition containers (210, 260, 400, 500). Aswallowing-aid substance (40) is stored in swallowing-aid substancestorage chambers (230, 280, 520) which each are at least one of thespaces. An encapsulating item (212) is stored in encapsulating-itemstorage chambers (232, 234, 282, 284, 422, 424, 522, 524) which each areat least one of the spaces. The encapsulating item (212) contains thepharmaceutical composition (80). At least the surface of theencapsulating item (212) melts in the ingredients of the swallowing-aidsubstance (40). The aperture chambers (236, 286, 426, 526), which eachare at least one of the spaces, are equipped with an aperture. Theaperture interconnects the outside of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainers (210, 260, 400, 500) with the spaces (230, 232, 234, 236,280, 282, 284, 286, 422, 424, 426, 520, 522, 524, 526).

Effect of the Invention

According to this invention, it is possible to reduce the residualquantity of a pharmaceutical composition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer of the embodiment 1 of this invention.

FIG. 2 shows how the pharmaceutical composition container of theembodiment 1 of this invention is used.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer of the alternative embodiment 1 of this invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer of the alternative embodiment 2 of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer of the alternative embodiment 3 of this invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer of the alternative embodiment 4 of this invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer of the alternative embodiment 5 of this invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer of the alternative embodiment 6 of this invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer of the embodiment 2 of this invention.

FIG. 10 is an external view of the pharmaceutical composition containerof the embodiment 2 of this invention.

FIG. 11 shows a state of the embodiment 2 of this invention wherein thecover insert portion is inserted into the cover and the base is on theoutside of the cover.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the state in the embodiment 2 of thisinvention wherein the cover insert portion is inserted into the cover.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer of the embodiment 3 of this invention.

FIG. 14 shows the state of the embodiment 3 of this invention whereinthe pharmaceutical composition container is folded.

FIG. 15 shows the state of the embodiment 3 of this invention after oneend of the pharmaceutical composition container is inserted into thecover.

FIG. 16 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer of the embodiment 4 of this invention.

FIG. 17 is a partial cross section showing one end of the pharmaceuticalcomposition container of the embodiment 4 of this invention during theproduction thereof.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing one end of the pharmaceuticalcomposition container of the embodiment 4 of this invention during theproduction thereof.

FIG. 19 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer of the embodiment 5 of this invention.

FIG. 20 shows the wound state of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer of the embodiment 5 of this invention.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following explains the embodiments of this invention on the basis ofthe drawings. In the following explanations, identical parts areassigned the same reference numeral. The names and functions thereof arealso the same. Accordingly, detailed explanations thereof will not berepeated.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 10 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 shows how the pharmaceuticalcomposition container 10 of this embodiment is used.

The pharmaceutical composition container 10 of this embodiment is formedby adhering the peripheries of two synthetic-resin (preferably a softsynthetic resin that can be folded, such as low-density polyethylene)sheets 20 and 20 to each other. The pharmaceutical composition 10 has aswallowing-aid substance storage chamber 30, an encapsulating-itemstorage chamber 32 and an outlet chamber 34 formed therein. Theswallowing-aid substance chamber 30, the encapsulating-item storagechamber 32 and the outlet chamber 34 are so formed as to maintain airtightness against the external space. The swallowing-aid substancestorage chamber 30, the encapsulating-item storage chamber 32 and theoutlet chamber 34 are arranged in one row.

A swallowing-aid substance 40 is stored inside the swallowing-aidsubstance storage chamber 30. The swallowing-aid substance 40 in thisembodiment is a sterilized jelly containing water. The water content ofthe jelly in this embodiment is set in such a manner that it is possibleto provide at least two minutes of time from when the swallowing-aidsubstance 40 covers the surface of the encapsulating item 42, which willbe explained later, until the encapsulating item 42 has completelymelted. The outlet chamber 34 is an empty chamber until the second weakseal portion 72, which will be explained later, is broken.

An encapsulating item 42 made of a wafer is stored inside theencapsulating-item storage chamber 32. A granular drug or anotherpharmaceutical composition 80 is stored inside the encapsulating item42. The encapsulating item 42 of this embodiment is made by placing thepharmaceutical composition 80 into a commercially available wafer andtwisting the portion corresponding to the inlet for the pharmaceuticalcomposition 80. Thereby the encapsulating item 42 is tightly sealed.However, in this embodiment, a wafer made of starch and having athickness of 10 μm is used. This is to provide at least two minutes oftime from when the swallowing-aid substance 40 covers the surface of theencapsulating item 42 until the encapsulating item 42 has completelymelted. Naturally, the thickness of the wafer should be selected asappropriate depending on the material properties thereof.

Note that, if necessary, a gas (for example, nitrogen gas) which doesnot have any effect on the pharmaceutical composition 80 or theswallowing-aid substance 40 is filled into the encapsulating-itemstorage chamber 32 and the swallowing-aid substance storage chamber 30.

The portion between the swallowing-aid substance storage chamber 30 andthe encapsulating-item storage chamber 32 is partitioned by a first weakseal portion 70. The portion between the encapsulating-item storagechamber 32 and the outlet chamber 34 is partitioned by a second weakseal portion 72. The first weak seal portion 70 and the second weak sealportion 72 are those parts of the portion where the two sheets 20 and 20are adhered to each other which correspond to the portions between twoadjoining spaces. The strength of the first weak seal portion 70 and thesecond weak seal portion 72 is weaker than the strength of thecircumferential strong seal portion 74 (the portion where the two sheets20 and 20 are adhered to each other excluding the first weak sealportion 70 and the second weak seal portion 72). This is made possibleby using different materials as the adhesive agents to adhere the twosheets 20 and 20 to each other. As a result, the first weak seal portion70 and the second weak seal portion 72 are easily broken by the forceapplied by the swallowing-aid substance 40 to the swallowing-aidsubstance storage chamber 30 or the encapsulating-item storage chamber32 when the swallowing-aid substance storage chamber 30 or theencapsulating-item storage chamber 32 is pressed from the outside of thepharmaceutical composition container 10. That is to say, theswallowing-aid substance storage chamber 30 and the encapsulating-itemstorage chamber 32 are sealed in such a state that they can beinterconnected with each other by means of force applied from theoutside of pharmaceutical composition container 10.

A pair of cutout portions 50, which each comprise a V-shaped cutout, areformed on the two sides of the outlet chamber 34. The predeterminedaperture part 60, which is sandwiched between the cutout portions 50, isthe portion where an aperture is to be formed. This apertureinterconnects the inside of the outlet chamber 34 with the outside.

The procedure for taking the pharmaceutical composition 80 out of thepharmaceutical composition container 10 and ingesting the pharmaceuticalcomposition 80 will be explained while referring to FIG. 2.

First, the caretaker etc. presses the swallowing-aid substance storagechamber 30 from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container10 to break the first weak seal portion 70 by means of the pressure frominside the swallowing-aid substance storage chamber 30. When the firstweak seal portion 70 is broken, the swallowing-aid substance 40 ispushed out into the encapsulating-item storage chamber 32. Theswallowing-aid substance 40 that was pushed out spreads inside of theencapsulating-item storage chamber 32 and fills the surroundings of theencapsulating item 42. From this time, the surface of the encapsulatingitem 42 starts to melt in the swallowing-aid substance 40.

After the swallowing-aid substance 40 is pushed out into theencapsulating-item storage chamber 32, the caretaker or patient 90 orthe like squeezes the pharmaceutical composition container 10 from theswallowing-aid substance storage chamber 30 towards theencapsulating-item storage chamber 32. Thereby, the second weak sealportion 72 breaks as a result from the pressure applied to theswallowing-aid substance 40. When the second weak seal portion 72 isbroken, the swallowing-aid substance 40 and the encapsulating item 42are pushed out into the outlet chamber 34. When the swallowing-aidsubstance 40 and the encapsulating item 42 are pushed out into theoutlet chamber 34, the caretaker or patient 90 or the like apply ashearing force to the cutouts 50 to form an aperture on the outletchamber 34. When the aperture is formed, the caretaker or patient 90 orthe like hold that aperture against the mouth of the patient and squeezethe pharmaceutical composition container 10 from the swallowing-aidsubstance storage chamber 30 towards the encapsulating-item storagechamber 32. Thereby the encapsulating item 42, which is covered by theswallowing-aid substance 40, enters the mouth of the patient 90. FIG. 2shows the state in which the patient 90 squeezes the pharmaceuticalcomposition container 10. At this time, the surface of the encapsulatingitem 42 has melted in the ingredients of the swallowing-aid substance40, and therefore the surface of the encapsulating item 42 is slippery.Because the surface of the encapsulating item 42 is slippery, theencapsulating item 42 is swallowed smoothly.

In this way, the pharmaceutical composition container 10 of thisembodiment produces the following effects. The first effect is that itis possible to easily swallow a granular drug or another pharmaceuticalcomposition 80. The second effect is that tastes such as the bittertaste of drugs are suppressed. The third effect is that it is possibleto suppress the scattering of the pharmaceutical composition 80 in themouth. The fourth effect is that concerns regarding the stability of thedrug become unnecessary. The fifth effect is that it is possible to letpatients with swallowing difficulties ingest solids of various types.The sixth effect is that it is possible to reduce the residual quantityof the pharmaceutical composition 80 inside the pharmaceuticalcomposition container 10 (in this embodiment, it is possible to reducethe residual quantity close to zero).

The first effect will now be explained in detail. The encapsulating item42 enters the mouth of the patient 90 while being covered by theswallowing-aid substance 40. At this time, the surface of encapsulatingitem 42 has melted. The encapsulating item 42 can easily be swallowedeven by the patient 90, who has swallowing difficulties, because theencapsulating item 42 is enclosed in the swallowing-aid substance 40 andthe surface of the encapsulating item 42 has melted. Since thepharmaceutical composition 80 is inside the encapsulating item 42, thepharmaceutical composition 80 is also swallowed with the swallowing ofthe encapsulating item 42. Thereby it is possible to easily swallow thepharmaceutical composition 80.

The second effect will now be explained in detail. As mentioned above,the encapsulating item 42 enters the mouth of the patient 90 while beingcovered by the swallowing-aid substance 40. Thereby the pharmaceuticalcomposition 80, which is contained in the encapsulating item 42, isdoubly enclosed by the swallowing-aid substance 40 and the encapsulatingitem 42. Even if the pharmaceutical composition 80 is a drug, theprobability that the tongue of the patient 90 senses the bitter tastethereof is low because the pharmaceutical composition 80 is doublyenclosed. As a result, the bitter taste or other tastes of the drugs aresuppressed.

The third effect will now be explained in detail. As mentioned above,the pharmaceutical composition 80 is doubly enclosed by theswallowing-aid substance 40 and the encapsulating item 42. This reducesthe probability that the pharmaceutical composition 80 scatters in themouth of the patient 90. As a result, it is possible to suppress thescattering of the pharmaceutical composition 80 in the mouth.

The fourth effect will now be explained in detail. Drugs are chemicalsubstances. When chemical substances come into contact with each other,chemical reactions occur in many cases. Due to the occurrence ofchemical reactions, the pharmacological effect of the drug is lost. Forthis reason, it is not possible to preserve a plurality of drugs in amixed state in many cases. If the pharmaceutical compositions are to bepreserved in a mixed state, it is necessary to research in advancewhether the chemical substances lose their pharmacological effect. Thepharmaceutical composition container 10 of this embodiment is equippedwith a plurality of spaces. Storing one type of drug each in thosespaces is substantially identical with separately preserving a pluralityof drugs. This is the reason why concerns regarding the stability of thedrug are unnecessary when the pharmaceutical composition container 10 ofthis embodiment is used. Since concerns regarding the stability of thedrug are unnecessary, the advance research on whether thepharmacological effects of the plurality of drugs are lost also becomesunnecessary.

The fifth effect will now be explained in detail. As the swallowing-aidsubstance 40 and the encapsulating item 42 are swallowed after theswallowing-aid substance 40 is guided into the encapsulating-itemstorage chamber 32, the activity of the pharmaceutical composition 80per se will not have a significant effect on the difficulty or easinessof swallowing any more. Thereby it is possible to let patients withswallowing difficulties ingest solids of various types.

The sixth effect will now be explained in detail. When theswallowing-aid substance 40 and the encapsulating item 42 are pushed outfrom the aperture formed on the pharmaceutical composition container 10,the pharmaceutical composition 80 inside the encapsulating item 42 willalso be pushed out at the same time. This significantly reduces theresidual quantity of the pharmaceutical composition 80 in theencapsulating-item storage chamber 32 as compared to cases where thepharmaceutical composition 80 is not contained in the encapsulating item42. Moreover, the encapsulating item 42 of this embodiment is tightlysealed. Since the encapsulating item 42 is tightly sealed, theprobability of the pharmaceutical composition 80 leaking from theencapsulating item 42 is extremely low. Since this probability isextremely low, it is possible to reduce the residual quantity of thepharmaceutical composition 80 inside the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 10 (actually, it is possible to reduce the residual quantityclose to zero).

The pharmaceutical composition container 10 explained in this embodimentis presented as an example to concretize the technical concept of thisinvention. The material properties of the sheet 20 are not limited tothe abovementioned embodiment. The shape of sheet 20, the shape of thespaces, the shape of the aperture, the dimensions, structures andpositioning thereof are not limited to those mentioned in theabovementioned embodiment. It is possible to apply various changes tothe pharmaceutical composition container 10 explained in this embodimentwithin the scope of the technical concept of this invention.

For example, FIG. 3 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceuticalcomposition container 12 of the alternative embodiment 1. On theswallowing-aid substance storage chamber 100 in this pharmaceuticalcomposition container 12, a first tapered portion 130, which faces theencapsulating-item storage chamber 110, gradually becomes narrowertowards the encapsulating-item storage chamber 110. On theencapsulating-item storage chamber 110, a second tapered portion 140,which faces the swallowing-aid substance storage chamber 100, graduallybecomes narrower towards the swallowing-aid substance storage chamber100. This increases the probability that, when the first weak sealportion 70 is broken and the swallowing-aid substance 40 is pushed outinto the encapsulating-item storage chamber 110, the entire quantity ofthe swallowing-aid substance 40 is pushed out.

Further, as an alternative to an encapsulating item 42 like that shownin FIG. 1, a bag-like encapsulating item 120 like that shown in FIG. 3may also be stored. Of course, the encapsulating item 120 may also bestored in the pharmaceutical composition container 10 shown in FIG. 1.Moreover, the shape of the encapsulating item is not limited to thoseshown in FIGS. 1 and 3. For example, as an alternative to theencapsulating items 42 and 120, a publicly known capsule may also bestored as the encapsulating item. As mentioned above, the swallowing-aidsubstance 40 in this embodiment is a sterilized jelly containing water.For this reason, if a publicly known capsule is stored as theencapsulating item, the surface of that capsule melts in water, which isan ingredient of the swallowing-aid substance 40. Thereafter the capsulemelts in the digestive juices of the stomach or intestines.

Further, the number of spaces provided in one pharmaceutical compositioncontainer may be only two, or may be three or more. FIG. 4 is a partialcross section of the pharmaceutical composition container 14 of thealternative embodiment 2. The pharmaceutical composition container 14has a swallowing-aid substance storage chamber 102, a firstencapsulating-item storage chamber 112, a second encapsulating-itemstorage chamber 114 and an outlet chamber 150 formed therein. Theswallowing-aid substance storage chamber 102, the firstencapsulating-item storage chamber 112, the second encapsulating-itemstorage chamber 114 and the outlet chamber 150 are arranged in one row.Note that the end of the first encapsulating-item storage chamber 112 onthe side of the second encapsulating-item storage chamber 114 becomesnarrower towards the second encapsulating-item storage chamber 114, andthe encapsulating item 42 is stored in the first encapsulating-itemstorage chamber 112; therefore it is possible to smoothly push out theencapsulating item 42 by means of the swallowing-aid substance 40. Theend of the second encapsulating-item storage chamber 114 on the side ofthe outlet chamber 150 becomes narrower towards the outlet chamber 150,and the encapsulating item 42 is stored in the second encapsulating-itemstorage chamber 114; therefore this encapsulating item 42 is also pushedout smoothly in the same way. On a side note, as an alternative to theencapsulating item 42, a bag-like encapsulating-item 120 like that shownin FIG. 3 may be stored in the first encapsulating-item storage chamber112 and the second encapsulating-item storage chamber 114.

Moreover, an empty chamber may be provided between the swallowing-aidsubstance storage chamber and the encapsulating-item storage chamber. Anempty chamber is a space in which nothing is stored, or in which a gasis stored that does not have any effect on the pharmaceuticalcomposition 80 or the swallowing-aid substance 40. FIG. 5 is a partialcross section of the pharmaceutical composition container 15 of thealternative embodiment 3. As an alternative to the firstencapsulating-item storage chamber 112 shown in FIG. 4, an empty chamber116 is provided. Providing an empty chamber 116 can, to a certainextent, reduce the probability that the swallowing-aid substance 40 ismixed with the pharmaceutical composition 80 even if the sealingproperties between the spaces are damaged due to an unintentionalaccident. If the pharmaceutical composition container 15 is foldable atthe portion of the empty chamber 116, folding that portion can furtherreduce the probability that the swallowing-aid substance 40 and thepharmaceutical composition 80 are mixed.

Further, the pharmaceutical composition container is not limited to onemade by adhering two sheets to each other. FIG. 6 is a partial crosssection of the pharmaceutical composition container 16 of thealternative embodiment 4. FIG. 7 is a partial cross section of thepharmaceutical composition container 18 of the alternative embodiment 5.The containers are formed by double-folding one sheet. By forming thepharmaceutical composition containers 16 and 18 by double-folding onesheet for each, it is possible to increase the volume of theswallowing-aid substance storage chambers 104 and 106 compared to apharmaceutical composition container formed by adhering two sheets ofthe same outer dimensions to each other. When the volume of theswallowing-aid substance storage chambers 104 and 106 increases, it ispossible to increase the feed amount of the swallowing-aid substance 40.Note that the pharmaceutical composition container may also be made byadhering the walls of one tube to each other here and there.

Further, in the abovementioned pharmaceutical composition container, thecutout portions 50 are composed of a V-shaped cutout, but the shape ofthe cutout in this invention may be another one than a V-shape.

Further, in the abovementioned embodiments, cases were explained wherethe pharmaceutical composition is a powdered or granular preparation andthe swallowing-aid substance is a jelly; however, it is needless to saythat the pharmaceutical composition and swallowing-aid substance appliedto this invention are not limited thereto. For example, apart from apowdered or granular preparation, the pharmaceutical composition may bea tablet, a capsule or a simple block. The swallowing-aid substance maybe an aqueous solution, or may also be honey, custard cream, peanutspread, cheese spread or the like. Moreover, the item formed as thepharmaceutical composition is not limited to an item that is usuallytreated as a medical drug. For example, the item formed as thepharmaceutical composition may also be a food which is recognized forits effect of improving the health state.

As the material for the encapsulating item, a wafer made of starch witha thickness of 10 μm as mentioned above, or a variety of other materialsconventionally known as edible film materials can be used. The types ofthe materials include polysaccharides (for example, pullulan,arabinoxylan, decomposition products of guar gum, sodium alginate,carrageenan, agar-agar, pectin, cellulose etc.) and peptide-basedsubstances (for example, gelatin, decomposition products of silkprotein, decomposition products of casein etc.). Those materials may beused on a standalone basis or as a combination of two or more types.

Further, in the abovementioned embodiment, it was explained that outletchambers 34 and 150 were provided, however, it is also possible to notprovide an outlet chamber 34, but to provide the cutouts 50 on theencapsulating-item storage chamber 32 or the like, open an aperture byapplying shearing force to those cutouts 50 and hold that apertureagainst the mouth of the patient.

Further, the structure of the portions 70, 71 and 72 between twoadjoining spaces may be different than that mentioned above. Forexample, a thin film may be formed in the portions 70, 71 and 72 betweentwo adjoining spaces. This kind of film can be formed by sandwiching themember that serves as the film between the two sheets 20 and 20, andadhering same to each other. However, the structure of the portions 70,71, and 72 between two adjoining spaces must be a structure that issealed in such a state that the spaces are interconnected by a forcethat is applied from the outside of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 10. This “force that is applied from the outside of thepharmaceutical composition container 10” may be a force that is directlyapplied to the portions 70, 71 and 72 between adjoining spaces, or maybe a force that is indirectly applied to any one thereof.

Further, the swallowing-aid substance 40 does not have to be directlyfilled into the space provided in the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer. FIG. 8 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceuticalcomposition container 11 of the alternative embodiment 6. Thepharmaceutical composition container 11 of this embodiment has a firstbag storage chamber 36, a second bag storage chamber 38, anencapsulating-item storage chamber 32 and an outlet chamber 34 formedtherein. Same as the encapsulating-item storage chamber 32 and theoutlet chamber 34, the first bag storage chamber 36 and the second bagstorage chamber 38 are so formed as to maintain air tightness againstthe external space.

The first bag storage chamber 36 and the second storage bag chamber 38store and fix the aid-substance storage bag 22. The aid-substancestorage bag 22 is directly fixed by the circumferential strong sealportion 74 and the third weak seal portion 76. The strength of the thirdweak seal portion 76 against breakage is roughly the same as that of thecircumferential strong seal portion 74.

A swallowing-aid substance 40 is stored inside the aid-substance storagebag 22. The strength of the aid-substance storage bag 22 on the end atthe side facing the first weak seal portion 70 is such that the end isbroken by a force applied from the outside of the pharmaceuticalcomposition container 11. The swallowing-aid substance 40 is sterilizedtogether with the aid-substance storage bag 22, then sandwiched betweenthe sheets 20 and 20 and adhered thereto. Next, the outercircumferential strong seal portion 74 etc. are formed. Thereby one endof the aid-substance storage bag 22 breaks when force is applied fromthe outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 11. When the endbreaks, the swallowing-aid substance 40 leaks out into the first bagstorage chamber 36. When, at this time, more force is applied from theoutside of the pharmaceutical composition container 11, the first weakseal portion 70 is broken by the force received from the swallowing-aidsubstance 40. When the first weak seal portion 70 is broken, theencapsulating item 42 is enclosed in the swallowing-aid substance 40.

Embodiment 2

The following explains embodiment 2 of this invention. Note that itemswhich are identical with those explained in the embodiment 1 are givenidentical reference numerals. In this embodiment, the detailedexplanation thereof will not be repeated.

<Explanation of the Structure>

FIG. 9 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 260 of this embodiment. The pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 260 of this embodiment is formed by double-folding one sheetmade of a synthetic resin (low-density polyethylene, PET (polyethyleneterephthalate) or another resin that is soft so as to be foldable and isheat-sealable, like composite resin), adhering the ends of thedouble-folded sheet to each other and aligning the outer shape bycutting the adhered portion.

The portion where the ends of the sheet are adhered to each other is thecircumferential strong seal portion 270. The inside of thepharmaceutical composition container 260 is provided with a plurality ofspaces. The portions between the plurality of spaces are sealed by afirst weak seal portion 300, a second weak seal portion 302 and a thirdweak seal portion 304. The first weak seal portion 300 comprises a firstweak-seal zone 310, an intermediate chamber 312 and a second weak-sealzone 314.

One of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical composition container 260 isthe swallowing-aid substance storage chamber 280. A swallowing-aidsubstance 40 is stored inside the swallowing-aid substance storagechamber 280. The first weak-seal zone 310 of the first weak seal portion300 easily opens by means of the pressure received from theswallowing-aid substance 40 when force is applied to the swallowing-aidsubstance 40 from the outside of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 260. When the first weak-seal zone 310 opens, theswallowing-aid substance 40 is pushed out into the intermediate chamber312. Thereafter, the second weak-seal zone 314, the second weak sealportion 302 and the third weak seal portion 304 sequentially open in thesame way. This can be realized because the strength of the first weakseal portion 300, the second weak seal portion 302 and the third weakseal portion 304 is weak compared to that of the circumferential strongseal portion 270. The reason is the same as in the case of theembodiment 1, and therefore a detailed explanation thereof will not berepeated here.

In one type of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 260, the first encapsulating-item storage chamber 282 and thesecond encapsulating-item storage chamber 284 exist. An encapsulatingitem 212 is stored in each of the encapsulating-item storage chambers.The pharmaceutical composition encapsulated by the encapsulating item212 stored in the first encapsulating-item storage chamber 282 and thepharmaceutical composition encapsulated by the encapsulating item 212stored in the second encapsulating-item storage chamber 284 are ofdifferent types.

Further, one of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 260 is an aperture chamber 286. The aperture chamber 286 isprovided on one end of the pharmaceutical composition container 260 andserves as the chute (in other words, the device for dropping theencapsulating item 212 into the mouth of the patient) for the ingestionof the encapsulating item 212.

Of the two ends of the pharmaceutical composition container 260, the endon the opposite side of the end on which the aperture chamber 286 isprovided, is the cover 288. The boundary between the swallowing-aidsubstance storage chamber 280 and the cover 288 is the bottom strongseal portion 272. The strength of the bottom strong seal portion 272 isthe same as that of the circumferential strong seal portion 270;therefore the bottom strong seal portion 272 is not broken even whenforce is applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40 from the outside ofthe pharmaceutical composition container 260. Note that, in theexplanation of the pharmaceutical composition container 260 of thisembodiment, the portion which is more to the side of the secondencapsulating-item storage chamber 284 than the cover 288 is referred toas the “container body.”

FIG. 10 is an external view of the portion of the pharmaceuticalcomposition container 260 of this embodiment which corresponds to therear surface when viewed as shown in FIG. 9. As is obvious from FIG. 10,a label 262 is adhered to the pharmaceutical composition container 260of this embodiment.

<Features Unique to this Embodiment>

The features unique to the pharmaceutical composition container 260 ofthis embodiment as compared to the pharmaceutical composition containersof the other embodiments are that: the cover 288 is disposed on one endand a cover insert portion 320 which is inserted into this cover 288 isdisposed on the other end; the width of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 260 is larger on the base 330 of the portion which is insertedinto the cover 238; the bottom strong seal portion 272 and a portion ofthe second weak seal portion 302 or a portion of the third weak sealportion 304 are folded over to insert the tip of the cover insertportion 320 into the cover 238, and the base 330 is on the outside ofthe cover 238. FIG. 11 shows the state where the cover insert portion320 is inserted into the cover 238 and the base 330 is on the outside ofthe cover 238. As is obvious from FIG. 11, the portion of the base 330is depressed; therefore it is possible to easily to pull out the coverinsert portion 320 by inserting a finger thereinto. FIG. 12 is a view ofthe portion which corresponds to the rear surface when viewed as shownin FIG. 11, in the state shown in FIG. 11. The major part of the rearsurface of the pharmaceutical composition container 260 is occupied bythe label 262.

<Usage Method>

When using the pharmaceutical composition 260 of this embodiment, afinger is engaged with the abovementioned base 330 and theabovementioned cover insert portion 320 is pulled out of the cover 238in this state. When the cover insert portion 320 is pulled out, thecover insert portion 320 is placed into the mouth of the patient. Thesubsequent usage method is the same as in the other embodiments oralternative embodiments thereof.

<Explanation of the Effect>

With the pharmaceutical composition container 260 of this embodiment,the cover insert portion 320 can easily be pulled out because a fingercan be engaged with the base 330 of the cover insert portion 320.

Further, the pharmaceutical composition container 260 of this embodimentproduces the same effects like that of the embodiment 1.

Embodiment 3

The following explains embodiment 3 of this invention. Note that itemswhich are identical with those explained in the embodiment 1 are givenidentical reference numerals. In this embodiment, the detailedexplanation thereof will not be repeated.

<Explanation of the Structure>

FIG. 13 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 400 of this embodiment. Same as in the embodiment 2, thepharmaceutical composition container 400 of this embodiment is formed bydouble-folding one sheet made of a synthetic resin, adhering the ends ofthe double-folded sheet to each other and aligning the outer shape bycutting the adhered portion.

The portion where the ends of the sheet are adhered to each other is thecircumferential strong seal portion 410. The inside of thepharmaceutical composition container 400 is provided with a plurality ofspaces. The portions between the plurality of spaces are sealed by afirst weak seal portion 440, a second weak seal portion 442 and a thirdweak seal portion 444. The first weak seal portion 440 comprises a firstweak-seal zone 450, an intermediate chamber 452 and a second weak-sealzone 454.

One of the spaces is the swallowing-aid substance storage chamber 420. Aswallowing-aid substance 40 is stored inside the swallowing-aidsubstance storage chamber 420. When force is applied to theswallowing-aid substance 40 from the outside of the pharmaceuticalcomposition container 400, the first weak seal zone 450 and the secondweak seal zone 454 sequentially open in the same way as the first weakseal portion 300, the second weak seal portion 302 and the third weakseal portion 304 in the embodiment 2. The reason why the first weak sealzone 450 and the second weak seal zone 454 open in this way is the sameas that in the embodiment 2.

In one type of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 400, the first encapsulating-item storage chamber 422 and thesecond encapsulating-item storage chamber 424 exist. An encapsulatingitem 212 is stored in each of the encapsulating-item storage chambers.The pharmaceutical composition encapsulated by the encapsulating item212 stored in the first encapsulating-item storage chamber 422 and thepharmaceutical composition encapsulated by the encapsulating item 212stored in the second encapsulating-item storage chamber 424 are ofdifferent types.

One of the spaces is an aperture chamber 426. Same as the aperturechamber 286 of the embodiment 2, the aperture chamber 426 serves as achute for the ingestion of the encapsulating item 212.

Of the two ends of the pharmaceutical composition container 400, the endon the opposite side of the end on which the aperture chamber 426 isprovided, is the cover 428. The boundary between the swallowing-aidsubstance storage chamber 420 and the cover 478 is the bottom strongseal portion 412. The strength of the bottom strong seal portion 412 isthe same as that of the circumferential strong seal portion 410;therefore the bottom strong seal portion 412 is not broken even whenforce is applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40 from the outside ofthe pharmaceutical composition container 400.

<Features Unique to this Embodiment>

The features unique to the pharmaceutical composition container 400 ofthis embodiment as compared with the pharmaceutical compositioncontainers of the other embodiments are that: the cover 478 is disposedon one end; the bottom strong seal portion 412 and the base of theportion where the aperture chamber 426 is disposed are folded over toinsert the portion where the aperture chamber 426 is disposed into thecover 478; the tip 480 of the portion where the aperture chamber 426 isdisposed is round; and a part of the edge 482 of the cover 478 is cutout. Note that, in the explanation of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 400 of this embodiment, the portion which is more to the sideof the second encapsulating-item storage chamber 424 than the cover 478is referred to as the “container body.”

<Usage Method>

When using the pharmaceutical composition 350 of this embodiment, theone of the two ends of the pharmaceutical composition container 400 onwhich the aperture chamber 426 is disposed is pulled out of the cover478. The subsequent usage method is the same as in the otherembodiments.

<Explanation of the Effect>

During the production of the pharmaceutical composition container 400 ofthis embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition container 400 is foldedover in such a manner that the portion where the aperture chamber 426 isdisposed and the cut-out edge 482 of the cover 478 face each other. FIG.14 shows the state in which pharmaceutical composition container 400 isfolded over during production. After the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 400 is folded over, the portion where the aperture chamber 426is disposed is inserted into the cover 478. At this time, the tip 480 ofthe portion where the aperture chamber 426 is disposed gets caught atany position of the cut-out edge 482 of the cover 478 and opens themouth of the cover 478. Since the mouth of the cover 478 is opened, thetip 480 smoothly enters the inside of the cover 478. FIG. 15 shows thepharmaceutical composition container 400 after the portion where theaperture chamber 426 is disposed is inserted into the cover 478.

Further, the pharmaceutical composition container 400 of this embodimentproduces the same effects like that of the embodiment 1.

Embodiment 4

The following explains embodiment 4 of this invention. Note that itemswhich are identical with those explained in the embodiment 1 are givenidentical reference numerals. In this embodiment, the detailedexplanation thereof will not be repeated.

<Explanation of the Structure>

FIG. 16 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 500 of this embodiment. Same as in the embodiment 2, thepharmaceutical composition container 500 of this embodiment is formed bydouble-folding one sheet made of a synthetic resin, adhering the ends ofthe double-folded sheet to each other and aligning the outer shape bycutting the adhered portion.

The portion where the ends of the sheet are adhered to each other is thecircumferential strong seal portion 510. The inside of thepharmaceutical composition container 500 is provided with a plurality ofspaces. The portions between the plurality of spaces are sealed by afirst weak seal portion 540, a second weak seal portion 542 and a thirdweak seal portion 544. The first weak seal portion 540 comprises a firstweak-seal zone 550, an intermediate chamber 552 and a second weak-sealzone 554.

One of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical composition container 500 isthe swallowing-aid substance storage chamber 520. A swallowing-aidsubstance 40 is stored inside the swallowing-aid substance storagechamber 520. When force is applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 500, thefirst weak seal zone 550 and the second weak seal zone 554 sequentiallyopen in the same way as the first weak seal portion 300, the second weakseal portion 302 and the third weak seal portion 304 in the embodiment2. The reason why the first weak seal zone 550 and the second weak sealzone 554 open in this way is the same as that in the embodiment 2.

In one type of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 500, the first encapsulating-item storage chamber 522 and thesecond encapsulating-item storage chamber 524 exist. An encapsulatingitem 212 is stored in each of the encapsulating-item storage chambers.The pharmaceutical composition encapsulated by the encapsulating item212 stored in the first encapsulating-item storage chamber 522 and thepharmaceutical composition encapsulated by the encapsulating item 212stored in the second encapsulating-item storage chamber 524 are ofdifferent types.

One of the spaces is an aperture chamber 526. Same as the aperturechamber 286 of the embodiment 2, the aperture chamber 526 serves as achute for the ingestion of the encapsulating item 212.

Of the two ends of the pharmaceutical composition container 500, the endon the opposite side of the end on which the aperture chamber 526 isprovided, is the cover 528. The boundary between the swallowing-aidsubstance storage chamber 520 and the cover 528 is the bottom strongseal portion 512. The strength of the bottom strong seal portion 512 isthe same as that of the circumferential strong seal portion 510;therefore the bottom strong seal portion 512 is not broken even whenforce is applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40 from the outside ofthe pharmaceutical composition container 500. Note that, in theexplanation of the pharmaceutical composition container 500 of thisembodiment, the portion which is more to the side of the secondencapsulating-item storage chamber 524 than the cover 528 is referred toas the “container body.”

<Features Unique to this Embodiment>

FIG. 17 is a partial cross section showing one end of the pharmaceuticalcomposition container 500 during the production thereof. FIG. 18 is aperspective view showing one end of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 500 during the production thereof. The features unique to thepharmaceutical composition container 500 of this embodiment as comparedto the pharmaceutical composition containers of the other embodimentswill be explained while referring to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18. The featuresthereof are that: the bottom strong seal portion 512 and the base of theportion where the aperture chamber 526 is disposed are folded over toinsert the portion where the aperture chamber 526 is disposed into thecover 528; and a melt-bonding margin 514 is disposed on the tip portion516 which is inserted into the cover 528 on the circumferential strongseal portion 510. This melt-bonding margin 514 is folded back like shownin FIG. 18 and melt-bonded to the tip portion 516.

<Usage Method>

The usage method of the pharmaceutical composition container 500 of thisembodiment is the same as that of the embodiment 3.

<Explanation of the Effect>

Even if there are burrs at the end of the circumferential strong sealportion 510, those burrs do not easily touch the inside of the mouth ofthe patient because the pharmaceutical composition container 500 of thisembodiment has a structure like that mentioned above. Since the burrs donot easily touch the inside of the mouth, the mouth of the patient isnot easily scratched.

Further, the pharmaceutical composition container 500 of this embodimentproduces the same effects like that of the embodiment 1.

Embodiment 5

The following explains embodiment 5 of this invention. Note that itemswhich are identical with those explained in the embodiment 1 are givenidentical reference numerals. In this embodiment, the detailedexplanation thereof will not be repeated.

<Explanation of the Structure>

FIG. 19 is a partial cross section of the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 210 of this embodiment. Same as in the embodiment 2, thepharmaceutical composition container 210 of this embodiment is formed bydouble-folding one sheet made of a synthetic resin, adhering the ends ofthe double-folded sheet to each other and aligning the outer shape bycutting the adhered portion.

The portions where the ends of the sheet are adhered to each other arethe circumferential strong seal portions 220 and 222. The inside of thepharmaceutical composition container 210 is provided with a plurality ofspaces. The portions between the plurality of spaces are sealed by afirst weak seal portion 240, a second weak seal portion 242 and a thirdweak seal portion 244. The first weak seal portion 240 comprises a firstweak-seal zone 250, an intermediate chamber 252 and a second weak-sealzone 254.

One of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical composition container 210 isthe swallowing-aid substance storage chamber 230. A swallowing-aidsubstance 40 is stored inside the swallowing-aid substance storagechamber 230. When force is applied to the swallowing-aid substance 40from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 260, thefirst weak seal zone 250 and the second weak seal zone 254 sequentiallyopen in the same way as the first weak seal portion 300, the second weakseal portion 302 and the third weak seal portion 304 in the embodiment2. The reason why the first weak seal zone 250 and the second weak sealzone 254 open in this way is the same as that in the embodiment 2.

In one type of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 210, the first encapsulating-item storage chamber 232 and thesecond encapsulating-item storage chamber 234 exist. An encapsulatingitem 212 is stored in each of the encapsulating-item storage chambers.The pharmaceutical composition encapsulated by the encapsulating item212 stored in the first encapsulating-item storage chamber 232 and thepharmaceutical composition encapsulated by the encapsulating item 212stored in the second encapsulating-item storage chamber 234 are ofdifferent types. Further, the outer shape of the encapsulating items 212is different from that of the encapsulating item 42 in the embodiment 1.

Further, one of the spaces inside the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 210 is an aperture chamber 236. Same as the aperture chamber286 of the embodiment 2, the aperture chamber 236 serves as a chute forthe ingestion of the encapsulating item 212.

The pharmaceutical composition 210 of this embodiment is wound in such amanner that the swallowing-aid substance storage chamber 230 surroundsthe aperture chamber 236. If the pharmaceutical composition container210 is only wound, it is likely that the pharmaceutical compositioncontainer 210 straightens during the time from the completion until theuse of the pharmaceutical composition container 210; therefore end ofthe swallowing-aid substance storage chamber 230 of the woundpharmaceutical composition container 210 is fixed with a tape 214. FIG.20 shows the wound pharmaceutical composition container 210.

<Usage Method>

To use the pharmaceutical composition container 210 of this embodiment,the tape 214 is peeled off and the pharmaceutical composition container210 is straightened. When the pharmaceutical composition container 210extends straightly, the aperture chamber 236 is placed into the mouth ofthe patient. Thereafter the encapsulating item 212 is ingested in thesame way as the embodiment 1 or the alternative embodiments thereof.

<Explanation of the Effect>

The pharmaceutical composition container 210 of this embodiment producesthe same effects like that of the embodiment 1.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The pharmaceutical composition container of this invention is suitablefor the use as, for example, a container for the ingestion of a drug.Specifically, the pharmaceutical composition container of this inventionis suitable for the use as a container for the ingestion of a drug,wherein the drug is filled into the container by a system as mentionedbelow. Such system is one wherein a plurality of auger filling machinesare set up, a transport system and weighing system are added, thefilling machines, the transport system and the weighing system areconnected to a medical-drug production line and automatic operation isperformed over a long time.

EXPLANATION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 210, 260, 400 and 500: pharmaceutical    composition container-   20: sheet-   22: aid-substance storage bag-   30, 100, 102, 104, 106, 230, 280 and 520: swallowing-aid substance    storage chamber-   32 and 110: encapsulating-item storage chamber-   34 and 150: outlet chamber-   36: first bag storage chamber-   38: second bag storage chamber-   40: swallowing-aid substance-   42, 120 and 212: encapsulating item-   50: cutout-   60: predetermined aperture part-   70, 240, 300, 440 and 540: first weak seal portion-   72, 242, 302, 442 and 542: second weak seal portion-   74, 220, 222, 270, 410 and 510: circumferential strong seal portion-   76, 244, 304, 444 and 544: third weak seal portion-   80: pharmaceutical composition-   90: patient-   112, 232, 282, 422 and 522: first encapsulating-item storage chamber-   114, 234, 284, 424 and 524: second encapsulating-item storage    chamber-   116: empty chamber-   130: first tapered portion-   140: second tapered portion-   214: tape-   236, 286, 426 and 526: aperture chamber-   238, 288, 428, 478 and 528: cover-   250, 310, 450 and 550: first weak seal zone-   252, 312, 452 and 552: intermediate chamber-   254, 314, 454 and 554: second weak seal zone-   262: label-   272, 412 and 512: bottom strong seal portion-   320: cover insert portion-   330: base-   480: tip-   482: edge-   516: tip portion

1. A pharmaceutical composition container equipped with a plurality ofspaces, wherein the portions between two adjoining aforementioned spacesare sealed, the aforementioned portions between two adjoining spacesopen when force is applied from the outside of the aforementionedpharmaceutical composition container, a swallowing-aid substance isstored in a swallowing-aid substance storage chamber which is at leastone of the aforementioned spaces, an encapsulating item is stored in anencapsulating-item storage chamber which is at least one of theaforementioned spaces, the aforementioned encapsulating item contains apharmaceutical composition, at least the surface of the aforementionedencapsulating item melts in the ingredients of the aforementionedswallowing-aid substance, and a predetermined aperture part is providedin which an aperture is to be formed that interconnects the outside ofthe aforementioned pharmaceutical composition container with theaforementioned spaces.
 2. The pharmaceutical composition containerdescribed in claim 1, wherein the aforementioned swallowing-aidsubstance contains water, and at least the surface of the aforementionedencapsulating item melts in the ingredients of the aforementionedswallowing-aid substance due to the material of the aforementionedencapsulating item being a water-soluble substance.
 3. Thepharmaceutical composition container described in claim 2, wherein theaforementioned swallowing-aid substance is a water-containing jelly andthe aforementioned water-soluble substance is starch.
 4. Thepharmaceutical composition described in claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe aforementioned spaces is disposed between the aforementionedswallowing-aid substance storage chamber and the aforementionedencapsulating-item storage chamber.
 5. The pharmaceutical compositioncontainer described in claim 1, wherein the aforementioned encapsulatingitem is tightly sealed.
 6. A pharmaceutical composition containerequipped with at least three spaces, wherein the portions between twoadjoining aforementioned spaces are sealed, the aforementioned portionsbetween two adjoining spaces open when force is applied from the outsideof the aforementioned pharmaceutical composition container, aswallowing-aid substance is stored in a swallowing-aid substance storagechamber which is at least one of the aforementioned spaces, anencapsulating item is stored in an encapsulating-item storage chamberwhich is at least one of the aforementioned spaces, the aforementionedencapsulating item contains a pharmaceutical composition, at least thesurface of the aforementioned encapsulating item melts in theingredients of the aforementioned swallowing-aid substance, and anaperture chamber which is at least one of the aforementioned spaces isprovided with an aperture that interconnects the outside of theaforementioned pharmaceutical composition container with theaforementioned spaces.